D-clamp vise

Abstract

A multipurpose workpiece holding device comprises a channel shaped frame adjustably mounted on a tilting and swiveling base. The frame has vertical slots on opposite sides thereof for adjustably receiving a lead screw on one side of the frame and a jaw forming element on the other side of the frame. The lead screw has a headed end for use as a clamp in conjunction with a concave jaw-forming element in the oppositely disposed slot and the device is also provided with an attachable and detachable vise jaw for the clamp element on the lead screw and a further vise jaw for use in place of the concave jaw element so that ready conversion as between a vise or clamp can be effected. Both single-jaw and double-jaw workpiece holding devices are disclosed.

What is claimed as new is as follows: 
     
       1. A workpiece holding device comprising a channel-section frame having a base portion and pairs of web segments extending from opposite sides of the base portion, the respective pairs of web segments each defining a slot therebetween extending direction-wise from toward the base portion to toward the free ends of the respective segments, a first slide fitting for floating receipt in the slot between a pair of web segments on one side of the base portion, the first slide fitting carrying a lead screw threaded therethrough, the lead screw having an inner end formed with a clamp member for clamping against a workpiece located adjacent the web segments on the other side of the base portion responsive to tightening of the lead screw, and a second slide fitting for sliding receipt in the slot between the web segments on the other side of the base portion, the second slide fitting comprising a jaw member and means for releasably clamping the jaw member in selected position along the slot. 
     
     
       2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the clamping means for the jaw member comprises a screw for extending from the jaw member through the respective slot, a clamp plate for receipt on the screw to clamp against outer surfaces of the respective web segments, and a nut for threading on the screw against the clamp plate. 
     
     
       3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the jaw member has a jaw surface which is one of a flat and concave surface. 
     
     
       4. The invention of claim 3 further including another jaw member for use in place of the jaw member aforesaid, the other jaw member having a jaw surface which is the other of a flat and concave surface. 
     
     
       5. The invention of claim 1 further including a jaw element for fitting on the clamp member of the lead screw to form a vise jaw. 
     
     
       6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the lead screw includes a collar adjacent the clamp member, the clamp member and collar defining an annular groove therebetween, and wherein the jaw element includes a slotted plate for fitting in the groove so as to releasably attach the jaw element to the lead screw. 
     
     
       7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the web segments and slide fitting are replicated side by side on the base portion of the frame to form a double-jaw holding device. 
     
     
       8. The invention of claim 1 further including removable means for precluding removal of the first and second slide fittings from their respective slots. 
     
     
       9. The invention of claim 8 wherein the removable means comprises pins fitting in holes formed in the respective web segments adjacent the free ends thereof so as to span the respective slots. 
     
     
       10. The invention of claim 1 including a base means formed with a tilt rod, bearing means mounting the frame on the rod, and releasable clamp means for holding the frame in a selected position of tilt on the rod. 
     
     
       11. The invention of claim 10 wherein the base includes swivel means for adjustably retaining the frame in a selected swivel position about an axis generally perpendicular to the rod. 
     
     
       12. A workpiece holding device comprising a frame of generally channel-shaped cross section having a base portion, and pairs of web segments on opposite sides of the base portion defining respective slots therebetween, a first slide fitting for floating receipt in the slot between a pair of the segments on one side of the frame, the first slide fitting having a lead screw threaded therethrough with a clamp element at an inner end of the lead screw, a first jaw-forming element for releasable receipt on the clamp element to form a first vise jaw, a second slide fitting for sliding receipt in the slot between a pair of web segments on the other side of the base portion, the second slide fitting including a second jaw element, clamping means for releasably retaining the second slide fitting in selected position in the respective slot whereby the device can be used as a vise or clamp by selective use of the first slide fitting with and without the first jaw forming element, and base means for the frame. 
     
     
       13. The invention of claim 12 wherein the second jaw element has a flat clamping surface and the device further includes a further jaw element with a concave clamping surface for use in place of the second jaw element. 
     
     
       14. The invention of claim 12 wherein the base means includes mutually perpendicular swivel and tilt adjustment means for the frame.